Fresh clashes between supporters, opponents of ex-general in Tripoli

Supporters and opponents of retired Libyan army general, Khalifa Haftar, have clashed in the capital, Tripoli.

The clashes took place late Friday during demonstrations in Tripoli held by both sides.

Supporters of Haftar reportedly threw rocks and other projectiles at the opponents.

Reports say a number of people were injured in the clashes.

The former army figure escaped an assassination attempt outside the eastern city of Benghazi on June 4.

During the past weeks, Haftar has targeted militant camps, who have also launched attacks against his forces in return.

He launched a military offensive in the country’s east against militants on May 16, saying that he wanted to crush them in order to establish stability in Libya.

The retired Libyan official is currently leading an offensive against militants in the country. He holds them responsible for the unrest that broke out in Libya following the ouster of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The current government in Libya has slammed Haftar’s offensives as a “coup” attempt.

The former rebels refuse to lay down arms despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order.

Nearly three years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya continues to deal with rising insecurity as the country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups.